Arborfield Cross

Early settlement

Within Arborfield Cross, archaeological excavations found evidence of human activity in the area dating back to the Late Iron Age. In 2019, excvations revealed a 1-century B.C. farmstead along with foundations for a 20-metre diameter roundhouse. The evidence suggested a self-sufficient agricultural community. Artifacts from the Roman-era suggest that the site was used throughout the early Roman period.^[2]

The modern settlement is documented to trace back to the Anglo-Saxon period. It was known as Edburgefeld, meaning Edburga's Field, which was open land on the edge of Windsor Forest.^[3] In the Domesday Book, it is noted that Arborfield belonged to the Bishop of Sonning and formed a part of the parish of Sonning. It was noted for its eel production from the fisheries. A chapel dedicated to St. Bartholomew, first mentioned in 1220, was established as the village's initial church during the medieval era. The chapel was rebuilt in 1256, replacing the wooden facade with chalk and flint, however keeping the wooden tower.^[4]Arborfield was a agrarian halmet during this period, with a population of 171 in 1377 and 29 inhabited houses. These circumstances didnt change much into the 18th century.^[5]

19th century

Arborfield Cross became a crossroads between Arborfield, Swallowfield and Newland, falicitating trade. According to census data, the village grew to around 550 residents in 1840, linked with farming and domestic service. The village's population plateaued into early 20th century.^[6]

20th century

Arborfield became a signficant miltary site in the early 20th century following the establishment of the Arborfield Remount Depot in 1904. The depot supplied and trained horses for the British Army in World War I. The site colsed in 1937, with the Arborfield Infirmary Stables being the only surviving structure,^[7] which has since been registered as a Scheduled monument.^[8] In 1938, the site was repurposed to open the Arborfield Garrison, which housed the Army Technical School from 1939.^[9] The Royal Observer Corps operated above-ground aircraft reporting post which was used throughout WWII.^[10] By 1940, all village events were devoted to helping the war effort. Between 1940 and 1942, the village was subject to bombings near the Bull and Arborfield Court.^[11] In 1942, the garrison became home of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME). During World War II, the village was important for mainatining miltary vehicles and their recovery. Towards the end of the conflict, Arborfield served as a medical and accommodation hub for Allied forces, most notably aiding preparations for the D-Day landings in June 1944.^[12] Post-war, the village become a training hub for REME and the REME museum was established in 1958.^[13]

Landmarks

There is a war memorial cross that commemorates the 31 people from Arborfield, Newland and Barkham who died or went missing in both world wars.^[18]

A Cold War remnant was found near the village in 2019. An Underground Monitoring Post was excavated during archaeological works. It is believed to be built in 1961 as part of the United Kingdom Warning and Monitoring Organisation and operated until 1968. An above-ground observation post traces its origins to 1936.^[19]